Corruption arrests lead to resignations

Capital BriefsThe July 23 corruption arrests have led to a series of resignations, with Gov. Jon S. Corzine issuing an executive order that would freeze state work in Ridgefield until Mayor Anthony Suarez resigns.

Corzine issued the executive order Aug. 3. While it would affect all towns with mayors who had been charged with corruption, its immediate effect is only on Ridgefield, as the two other recently charged mayors already have resigned.

Dennis Elwell resigned on July 28 as mayor of Secaucus, while Peter Cammarano III resigned as Hoboken mayor July 31. Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt (R-Lacey) also submitted his resignation that day.

Jersey City Council President Mariano Vega was charged and refuses to resign; Corzine’s order only covers towns where the mayor was charged.

Assemblyman L. Harvey Smith (D-Jersey City) last week rejected calls to resign, despite having his pay and benefits suspended.

The state Sierra Club and other environmental leaders expressed disappointment that Corzine didn’t freeze state work on development in all towns touched by the scandal.